Work at 9, dinner at 8? These shirts have got you covered

A good formal shirt doesn't have to live inside your office wardrobe. Pick the right colour, fit and fabric, and the same shirt can take you from a morning meeting to after-work drinks without looking like you just left the office. We’ve picked five versatile options that can work across meetings, presentations, dinners and those last-minute plans after work.

Van Heusen is a classic choice when you want your workwear to look sharp without trying too hard. This shirt has a clean, versatile design that can work with tailored trousers for office hours and chinos when you're heading out after work.

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For long workdays, comfort matters just as much as the look. This full-sleeve shirt comes with a stretch design and wrinkle-free finish, making it a practical option for busy professionals. It keeps things polished while giving you more freedom to move through your day.

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A classic formal shirt with a little colour can instantly make office dressing less predictable. This Peter England option brings a subtle statement to your wardrobe while keeping the overall look sophisticated enough for meetings, presentations and formal occasions.

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Checks are an easy way to add some personality to formalwear. This Blackberrys gingham-check shirt works particularly well if you want something beyond plain solids but still need to keep your office look professional. Pair it with neutral trousers and let the pattern do the work.

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If your office wardrobe leans towards smart-casual, this Symbol button-down shirt is worth considering. The dark green shade gives the classic shirt silhouette a more contemporary feel, making it easy to style for both work and casual plans.

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The trick to building a useful formal wardrobe is choosing shirts that don't feel restricted to the office. Solid colours, subtle patterns, comfortable fabrics and versatile fits can help you create multiple looks without needing a completely different wardrobe for every occasion.